Education Ministry and Mawhiba launch National Talent Olympiad across Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Education and the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) today launched the inaugural National Talent Olympiad, targeting intermediate and high school students across the Kingdom. The initiative is part of a comprehensive national journey to identify, nurture, and prepare scientific and research talents for local and international competitions.

The Olympiad features two integrated tracks: the scientific track "Nasmo" and the research track "Ibda'a." Students may participate in either or both tracks, progressing through stages of competition, training, and qualification, with top performers selected to represent Saudi Arabia in regional and international contests.

The National Talent Olympiad is the result of merging the National Scientific Creativity Olympiad "Ibda'a" and the National Science and Mathematics Olympiad "Nasmo," bringing together pathways for discovering, developing, and qualifying scientific and research talents under one umbrella.

Track details and participation fields

In 2026, the National Scientific Creativity Olympiad "Ibda'a" and the National Science and Mathematics Olympiad "Nasmo" saw participation from over 450,000 students from various regions, reflecting a broad base of involvement.

The scientific track "Nasmo" targets intermediate and first-year high school students, focusing on developing their abilities in six scientific disciplines: mathematics, science, physics, chemistry, biology, and informatics. It also aims to enhance analytical and logical thinking as well as complex problem-solving skills. Outstanding students in this track qualify for the Mawhiba International Olympiad Program, competing in 29 regional and international scientific Olympiads and competitions.

The research track "Ibda'a" focuses on fostering scientific research and innovation skills among intermediate and high school students in 22 scientific fields, including science, engineering, health, energy, environment, artificial intelligence, software, and more. Top performers in this track qualify to present their research projects at international exhibitions and competitions, most notably the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

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Olympiad objectives and registration dates

The National Talent Olympiad aims to expand the identification of students with scientific talents and abilities, develop higher-order thinking and innovation skills, provide a stimulating competitive environment, direct students' capabilities toward developing solutions for developmental challenges, and prepare national talents capable of representing Saudi Arabia at international scientific forums.

Registration for the Olympiad opens on August 20, 2026, and continues until September 30, 2026. The competition and qualification stages will proceed in the following months, with the finals scheduled to take place in Riyadh at the end of January 2027.

Mawhiba has called on eligible students to seize this opportunity and register for the Olympiad, urging teachers and parents to encourage their students and children to sign up, either through their schools or directly via the Mawhiba website at this link.